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Roberta's Beauty Tips

Caution: Online Medical Advice

By Roberta Angela Dee

History of Robert's Beauty Column

For the past year, I have submitted a monthly beauty column to the Transgender Forum. Each month I attempt to cover a different topic.

Those of you who have read or collected my beauty tips are aware that I have covered a variety of topics. My topics have included discussions on how to speak like a woman, guidelines for weight management, application of eye makeup, and effective skin care techniques. In each instance, I have made a focused effort to be sensitive to the variety of individuals who subscribe to this forum.

For some, the beauty advice is an integral part of their lifestyle. For others, it is information required only for special occasions. Whatever the particular need, I have tried hard to address that need. I write -- not simply for the sake of writing. I write because I care about the transgendered community -- whether the individual is a female-to-male or a male-to-female transsexual, or a casual cross dresser.

An Ongoing Mission

I try not to repeat myself. However, this month's column repeats last month's cautionary message: Beware of on-line medical advice.

It's my mission to provide individuals with the best information possible. I research each topic before I write about it. I do so because I care.

I am continually amazed by the number of people who subscribe to listservers on the internet and seek medical advice from individuals who might never have graduated high school.

There are people on-line who give medical advice solely based on personal experience. They have never had a day of formal medical training, nor do they have any idea of the medical history of the individual to whom they offer advice.

Don't be a fool. Never accept medical advice from anyone who has not been suitably educated or who could not care less if you lived or died as a result of his or her advice.

What if the person is a doctor? That's a good question. First, no doctor in his or her right mind gives advice on-line without including a disclaimer. Read the small print. The disclaimer usually states that the doctor assumes no responsibility for the information he or she provides. Second, would you put your money in the hands of a banker who assumed no responsibility for your money? If not, why -- even for a second -- would you put your health in the hands of a medical professional who assumed no responsibility for your well being?

Don't be a fool?

The Internet vs. the Public Library

Anyone can put up a web page or a web site. They can provide information on any topic from ants to zebras without spending so much as a second validating the information they've provided. So, while there is a great deal of information available much of it is inaccurate or only partially accurate.

Don't be a fool. Do ascribe to an idea or any information simply because some search engine took you to that particular web page. Unlike most of the books in the public library, most of the information provided on the internet is without any list of resources. In some instances, you don't even know who is providing the information. Don't be a fool.

Doctors On-line

It might surprise the majority of Americans to learn that most of the world's population is non-white. Media and the entertainment industry might lead many of us to believe that the everyone on the planet has blonde hair and blue eyes. This is simply not the case.

Thirty percent of the US population consists of non-whites. Given that the present US population is about 270 million people, this means that 81 million people are comprised of African, Asian, Latino, Pacific Island and other ethnicities. We are all equal but we are not all the same.

For the past several months, I have been trying to get on- line physicians -- who caterer to the transgendered community -- to understand that physicians need to be sensitive to the ethnic distribution in the community. I have specifically asked that those who suggest electrolysis include information about the possibility of scarring if the individual has a dark complexion.

Some of these doctors have ignored my concerns, and some have dismissed them.

Using the probability statistics provided by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, there are no more than 10,000 transexuals in the entire United States. Frankly, I believe their estimates are ridiculously low. However, I'm certain it will take the medical profession another decade or two to come to this realization.

Yet, even if their figures are correct, it means that there is a possibility that 2,000 - 3,000 transsexuals are people of color. That's a sizable population and I would hope that at least one of the doctors who cater to our community would be concerned about the quality of information they dispense to two or three thousand people. Yet, as I repeatedly review the information the most popular physicians provide, I've yet to find one who seems appreciatively concerned.


Beverly Johnson (left) and daughter Anansa
model her line of eyewea
r
I'm not trying to imply that all of the information is erroneous. However, don't be a fool. Investigate after you assimilate the information these physicians provide.

Beverly Johnson

Beverly Johnson was one of the first African American models to break the color barrier for models in the United States of America. Her book, "True Beauty" provides a wealth of information for women of color and for any woman with a deep olive complexion. Visit a her web site


From the "Zhen" Catalogue
Asian and Pacific Island women might want to visit the Zhen web site.

For free surgeon referrals and information, contact:

The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Inc. (800) 635-0635

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, (800) 441-2737

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (800) 332-3223

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc. (888) 272-7711

I would hope that the on-line physicians who read this article will consider what I've presented here. I would hope that some would incorporate this information into their existing web sites and acknowledge the source. Time will tell.

In any event, if you've learned anything from reading this article, you should understand my message: Don't be a fool.

I am a writer and like most writers I live for responses from Readers like you. Please take a few minutes to comment on "Robert Angela Dee's Beauty Tips." Contact me at RADANGLE@aol.com

Thank you.

Roberta Angela Dee



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